Held
A little drabble based on this headcanon of Werewolf Bat Boys
Content Warnings: Mentions of Depression/Feeling Numb
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"You ok over there?"
The deep rumble of my mate's voice startles me out of the starring contest I'd been having with the wall. I blink away the tears that have gathered from having my eyes locked on one spot unblinkingly for so long.
"Oh, uh yeah," I mumble out, hands wringing nervously together in my lap.
He lifts me easily, like I weigh nothing, settling me comfortably in his lap. Hands scarred from swordplay tuck me gently under his chin, letting my head find it's rightful place against his collarbone. The beating of his heart is steady against my cheek; his breathing even and soothing, urging mine to sink up to it. Instinctively, my hands slide under the hem of his shirt, finding solace in the warmth of his skin.
"You sure?" He whispers knowingly.
"No," I confess.
Deft fingers trail soothingly through my hair as he leans back against the couch, getting comfortable. There is no reproach in his voice as he asks, "Bad day?"
"It was fine, I guess, I just... I don't really feel anything at all."
He kisses the top of my head as footsteps sound down the hall. "What's wrong?" Cass first, then Az. Figures he'd summon the others. Sometimes I forget the group of werewolves are almost always in each other's heads, especially with Rhys in charge.
"Our girl needs some attention," Rhys says.
Ours. Those words still fill me with warmth, even after all these months together. I'm never really alone, not when I have the three of them.
Cassian plops himself down so hard next to us that the couch bounces off the floor! "We're right here, love. Tell us what you need." His large hands soothe up and down my back in gentle waves.
I let my eyes drift shut at his ministrations. Let myself relax under their hands. They've got me. They'll take care of me.
"This is good," I say into Rhys's throat.
Azriel takes up the rest of the couch on the opposite side, bringing a blanket with him. Soon, all three of them are pressed in close. Az's nose brushes my cheek as he presses a soft kiss against my temple.
Their warmth seeps into my skin, brings some life back into my body. The fog that fills my skull lifts just a little.
"Are you hungry?" Az asks as he takes my hand and presses little kisses along my fingertips.
"No."
"Want something to drink?" Cass asks. He's settled his head against Rhys's shoulder, breath warm, along the back of my neck as his hand continues to soothe down my back.
"I'm ok."
Rhys floods the bond with warmth and affection, peppering in reassurances every once in awhile: We love you. We've got you. You're safe. I don't know what triggered the emptiness inside me. Sometimes it just takes over; flips everything that makes me up and fills it with ice. I'm extra grateful for them on days like this, they're always so eager to just hold me.
"Glad you're all here," I say quietly.
"We're not going anywhere," Az assures, taking up the space against Rhys's other shoulder, so he can nuzzle his face close to mine.
I breathe in their combined scents, letting it fill me.
"We've got you, love," Cass assures.
Rhys kisses the top of my head again. "Just rest. It'll pass. We'll be here til it does."